By Jack Shanley

In a world where technology seamlessly integrates with daily life “Companion” (2025) explores the complex relationship between humans and A.I. The film follows Iris, a young woman who discovers she is a companion android designed for human companionship. As Iris grapples with her identity and the limitations of her programmed existence, the line between human and machine blurs, raising questions about autonomy, control, and the very nature of love.

Sophie Thatcher delivers a captivating performance as Iris, portraying her vulnerability and strength with nuance. Jack Quaid shines as Josh, the man who initially appears to be Iris’s loving companion but whose true motives become increasingly ambiguous. The supporting cast, including Lukas Gage as the enigmatic Patrick, adds depth to the narrative, each character embodying a different facet of the human-AI dynamic.
The cinematography captures the beauty and unease of Iris’s world, while the soundtrack amplifies the film’s emotional core. The script is thought-provoking, exploring themes of identity, free will, and a view of advanced technology.

“Companion” is not without its flaws. Some plot developments may strain credulity, and the film occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the sci-fi genre. However, its strengths may far outweigh its weaknesses. The film’s exploration of complex themes, combined with its strong performances and compelling visuals, make it a decent watch for fans of science fiction and thought-provoking cinema.
Ultimately, “Companion” is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement. It somewhat of a scary view of the future and with the film being told from an A.I perspective, I naturally felt a bit uneasy. I also understood that the humans were at fault., but It all goes back to Kubrick’s great 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in which he views it as humans becoming far too comfortable with technology that it would eventually consume us empower A.I and take over. Its with ‘Companion’ that you can kind of feel the same energy.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Companion’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of three stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Drew Hancock– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Sci-fi – Run Time: 1h 37m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Spring is great time to declutter the house and garden. Charity shops are glad of donations but it’s a good idea to get a skip too for those items you need to get rid of. We shopped around and got the same size skip from Oxigen for €120 less than another local skip company! They delivered and picked up when they say they would and the customer service was great. Happy to recommend them!

March is for treating the Mammies on Mother’s day. If you are on a budget, make her breakfast in bed, run her a bubble bath or cook her a nice dinner. If you want to take her somewhere nice, we love Silken Thomas in Kildare. They have an award-winning bar and restaurant and their accommodation is beautiful. Spoil her to a meal or mini break or surprise her with a Silken Thomas gift voucher. I brought my Mam recently and we loved it; we cannot wait to go back!

For personalised gifts, Wanapix has a great range for Mother’s day. Use CODE MAMSIE for a 15% discount. I love my personalised Wanapix travel bag with my name on, I use it as a tote bag all the time. And my hubby loves his special ‘Dad’ glass!

If your Mam enjoys a pool and spa, Farnham Estate is stunning. It’s worth going for indoor/outdoor pool alone. Relax in the warm outdoor pool while breathing in the country air. It’s magical! Their spa is fabulous, and accommodation and food are top notch. We love it so much we had a family wedding there!

Need some gift inspo and wanna keep it Irish? Hampers & Co. have hampers to suit every taste and budget. I especially love their wellness hampers. One Dame Lane has beautiful jewellery and gift sets. Cocoa Brown have budget friendly tanning sets. We are loving Wired Irish Crafts quirky candles – especially the coconut and bamboo. Stitch-a-name personalised fluffy robes and silky pyjamas are lovely. For hair lovers, Olaplex or Alfaparf gift sets are in salons and etailers. For theatre lovers, a voucher for National Concert Hall is a wonderful gift. The Design Gallery in Drogheda has lots of gift ideas and they gift wrap free of charge! Follow us on mams.ie in the run up to Mother’s day for more gift ideas and competitions!

By Dave Kavanagh

In Ireland, inheritance tax and gift tax are both under Capital Acquisition Tax. In 2022 in Ireland, there was over €600 million collected in Capital Acquisition Tax. It also includes estates that may have been taxed in previous generations. For example, if someone left an estate worth €1,000,000 to an only daughter, she would (in the current tax year) have a tax bill of just under €200,000. After she pays the bill and puts what’s left in the bank, any interest is taxed (DIRT). Guess what happens when she passes and leaves her estate behind? It’s taxed again! So what has changed? Spouses can leave any amount to each other tax free. After that, the three new thresholds are, a) Children - €400,000, b) Other close relatives - €40,000 and c) All others (including cohabiting partners) - €20,000. Everything received above these is taxed at 33%.
So, is there any way to prevent it? There are two main actions that can either reduce or eradicate such a tax bill. The first is to take the time to plan when making a will. Let’s say a value of €900,000 was being left to 2 adult children. (Not a big estate if you combine a house, savings and a life policy). This would create a tax bill of over €16,000. Instead, if €800,000 of it was left to the 2 children and the balance between a few grandchildren (at least 5), there is no tax bill. The second thing that can be done is for the person leaving the estate to take out a Section 72 plan. This is a type of life policy that is allowed to pay any tax liability without adding to the value of the estate. It becomes particularly important for anybody that does not have children to plan things out, as even other relatives can only receive €40,000 before any balance is taxed. These thresholds are particularly important for anybody in the process of planning or making their will.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

By Jack Shanley

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a visually stunning and terrifying reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film. Eggers meticulously recreates the gothic atmosphere of the original film, immersing viewers in a world of shadows, decay, and dread.

The film follows Thomas Hutter (Nicolas Hoult), a young estate agent tasked with selling a remote Transylvanian castle to the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). Hutter’s journey into the heart of darkness unleashes a wave of terror upon his unsuspecting village, as Orlok’s insatiable hunger for blood spreads like a plague.

Bill Skarsgård delivers a truly great performance as Count Orlok. Showing a more romanticized portrayal of vampires, Skarsgård embodies Orlok as a creature of pure pestilence, his gaunt frame and piercing gaze radiating an aura of ancient evil. He is less a seductive predator and more a force of nature, an embodiment of death itself.

Eggers’ signature style is on full display, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and a meticulous attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. The film’s sets, costumes, and even the way light falls across the screen are all beautifully crafted to evoke a sense of authenticity.

While the film’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow creep of the darkness to come, it can feel a little sluggish. I enjoyed it as much as the other adaptations, but do understand it not being for everyone, it’s essentially a film for a particular audience. The tension builds relentlessly, punctuated by moments of shocking violence and unsettling imagery.

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a masterful reimagining of a classic horror film. It is a visually stunning and terrifying experience that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a testament to Eggers’ singular vision as a filmmaker, and a chilling reminder of the enduring power of classic horror.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Nosferatu’ (2024) and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 stars. You can watch it today at your local cinema. Director: Robert Eggers– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Mystery– Run Time: 2h 12m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, take a little time out for some self-care this February, especially the hard-working Mammies. Being a Mam can be frazzling – especially this time of year with so many bugs and viruses knocking about and it’s not unusual for us to get run down because we’re so busy looking after everyone else. If you need an energy boost, plan some child-free ‘Me time’. Go see the new Bridget Jones movie with your girlfriends. Glam up for a date night (if you need a new dress, get 30% off with Code MAMS30 at www.mykindofdress.com). Or treat yourself to a pamper night at home…. light a scented candle, soak in relaxing Green Angel bath salts, moisturise with gorgeous mango Ziaja body mousse, then wrap up in snuggly pj’s to watch a movie with a tub of ice-cream! A little self-indulgence goes a long way!

Looking for clever Valentine’s gift idea for busy Mammies? How about some delicious coffee?! Life is too short to drink bad coffee which is why we love award winning Irish brand Artessa Coffee. They roast the most delicious beans – I personally love their Smooth and Lounge blends, while my hubby favours their Nina & Temptation blends. See https://artessa.ie/

Love cosy, comfy casual wear? Irish brand Human Collective have perfect transitional pieces for springtime. From slouchy jumpers to leggings to fleece lined hoodies. Perfect for women & men who like to be warm and comfy on the go. With a store in Stephens Green SC and online store https://wearehumancollective.com/ they have a brill range and great sale on atm!

As the daffodils start peeking through and days get longer, it’s a great time for a mini break. For kids midterm, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is brilliant. Delicious food, spacious rooms, swimming pool and lots of activities, including walking trails, bike rentals and Skypark nearby. For couples, there are special Valentine’s packages available to romance things up! Carlingford is such a gorgeous spot to explore with quaint cafes, cute shops, the old castle ruins and you can hop on the Carlingford ferry too. See Four Seasons Carlingford special offers here https://www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/ word.

By Dave Kavanagh

When planning our family’s finances, one of the most important aspects is protecting against unexpected financial loss, yet many people often keep putting off making time to arrange it, (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality or a serious illness, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is, if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed, it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. I often get the response, “I don’t have time” and then in the same conversation find out which Netflix series they have just binged. Make the time. Review your cover requirements.

By Jack Shanley

David Fincher’s “Se7en” hits its 30-year anniversary this year and with it also coming back to cinemas in a stunning IMAX screening, its sure to be a fantastic cinematic experience. ‘Seven’ is a haunting exploration of morality, sin, and the depths of human depravity. This 1995 neo-noir thriller stars Brad Pitt as Detective David Mills, a hot-headed young cop, and Morgan Freeman as Detective William Somerset, a seasoned veteran on the brink of retirement. Together, they are tasked with hunting down a serial killer whose murders are inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

The film’s dark, gritty atmosphere is perfectly captured by Fincher’s meticulous direction and Andrew Howard’s stunning cinematography. The rain-soaked streets of a decaying city provide a bleak backdrop for the horrifying crimes committed by the killer, known only as John Doe. Kevin Spacey delivers a chilling performance as Doe, a man who believes he is punishing sinners and cleansing the world of their corruption.

“Se7en” is a masterclass in suspense, with each new discovery leading to even greater horror. The film’s pacing is deliberate, building tension and dread as the detectives delve deeper into the killer’s twisted mind. The climax is a gut-wrenching confrontation that leaves a lasting impact.

While the film’s violence and disturbing subject matter may not be for everyone, “Se7en” is a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It is a timeless exploration of the darkness that lurks within humanity, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Seven’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 and a ½ stars. You can watch it today at selected cinemas throughout January or rent it off YouTube for €3.99. Director: David Fincher – Rating: R – Genre: Crime/Horror– Run Time: 2h 10m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

It’s January.…often considered the most miserable month of the year but how about enjoying the quiet that January brings and making the most of the calm after the busy and often stressful festive season? Instead of feeling blue about all the fun being over, try to enjoy January. Movie nights snuggled up with a hot chocolate. A brisk walk in the fresh air. Soaking in a relaxing bath. Reading that book you’ve been wanting to get stuck into but haven’t had the time. There is a lot of joy to be found in doing nothing and having time to relax and chill out.

January is not all doom and gloom…. especially for those in love! Christmas and New Year are times when many couples get engaged and weddings excitement begins. One of the biggest expenses is often The Dress!! But we know an amazing store called Devotion Dresses, upstairs from My Kind of Dress, at Unit 1, Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin that has a whole floor dedicated to wedding dresses - which start at an affordable €600. Downstairs you can get bridesmaids, wedding guest and mother of the bride dresses and upstairs, bridal! Follow them on Instagram at devotion_dressesireland and book an appointment at dublin@devotionweddingdresses.com There are some absolutely stunning dresses there and it’s great to buy local, it makes life so much easier for fittings etc. We had a family wedding where the dress was bought in Newry and it was a slog having to traipse up there for fittings and collection. It added extra cost and time, so we really think, shopping local is the way to go! Having been in Devotion Dresses for a look, we can definitely recommend them! The staff are super nice too., which makes a huge difference.
If you are one of the lucky ones going Skiing, Dare2B has a cool pop-up shop in Kildare Village for all things ski wear. They have a huge sale online too, so you can nab really snuggly clothing at knocked down prices. Even for everyday fleeces, we love their range!

Whatever your January looks like, remember, it’s only a few weeks and we can get through it! Be kind to yourself and try to do little nice things as much as you can and soon enough, the daffodils will be popping up for Spring!

By Dave Kavanagh

It’s a new year, a time when many people embark on making some positive changes or improvements in their lives. The most recognisable of these is the ‘losing weight/getting healthier” one. To give people more of an incentive to maintain what they start, it’s worth noting that if done properly, losing weight can have the added bonus of leaving you with more money at the end of each month. So how does that work?? Well, by “doing it properly” I refer to NOT going on a diet, or buying products with magic properties that will make the weight just fall off. Instead, making small, sustainable lifestyle changes. It can be adding some exercise in week 1, drinking more water (and less alcohol/sugar laden drinks) in week 2, reducing portion sizes in week 3, substituting things like chips for wholegrain rice or pasta in week 4, breaking the association of biscuits/cakes whenever you have a coffee or tea in week 5, etc., etc. Doing it this way, makes it sustainable and when weight is dropped slower over a longer period of time, it is far more likely to be kept off. So how does that help my finances?

When I analyse people’s spending budgets, it’s clear that takeaways, alcohol, sweets, cakes biscuits etc. pop up quite frequently. If you keep track of the savings when you cut down on many of these things, it’s easy to see how much you can save. One person I was helping used to enjoy her “treat” of a chocolate eclair most days. When she accepted that she felt bad after eating it and conceded that it was not helping her goal to lose weight, I suggested it was more of a punishment than a treat. I proposed that she put the money into a jar each day and when there was enough, to treat herself to a back massage, which can positively reinforce the good changes someone has made. Make the right choices, one day at a time.

Malahide Historical Society has recently unearthed wonderful images of ‘Hogan’s Top Shop’ Hogan’s grocers, wine and spirits merchants stood for many years on Main Street at what is now Malahide Credit Union premises. Locals called it Hogan’s Top-Shop to distinguish it from Hogan’s Bottom-Shop, their other premises on New Street (now Fowler’s pub).

Two of these three fascinating images have just recently come to light showing deliveries in the early 1900s. The truck is a Guinness lorry outside the premises circa 1910. (photo courtesy of Richard McAllister)

The third image, also from about 1910, shows a cart with the name ‘Bewley & Draper, Ink Makers’. This was a business owned by a branch of the famous Bewley coffee family which imported chemical and ink supplies as well as, unusually, mineral waters. It is likely the cart was being used to deliver not ink but mineral waters to Hogan’s as indicated by the crates on the footpath under the awning into which a worker appears to be peering.

Thanks to Malahide Historical Society.